Devotional
Our Duty to Evangelise the Lost
“Holding forth the word of life.” Philippians 2:16
Having just called the world “crooked and perverse” (Philippians 2:15), Paul reminds us that we are to maintain an impeccable testimony before it. We are to be “blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke.” But Paul doesn’t stop there.
In today’s text, he brings in another aspect of the Christian’s life: declaring the word of God. He calls it “holding forth the word of life.” The word he is speaking about is the word of God, especially the gospel of His grace. This word is a living word, a life-giving word. It speaks to men, telling them of their lost condition and pointing them to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It shows them His sinless life, His atoning death for sinners, and His return to this world as the judge of all men.
Our duty as Christians is to adorn the gospel with holy lives and to “hold forth the word of life.” The expression ‘hold forth’ means “to hold or direct towards someone.” We are to hold out the Bible and say to men and women, “This is the truth of God: believe this and you will be saved.” Think of how Paul did that in the jail at Philippi. When the earthquake came the jailor cried out, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas said to him, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” They were holding forth the word of life. Writing to Timothy, Paul said the Scriptures are able “to make thee wise unto salvation.” That was why he was so diligent in holding forth the word of life.
Christian, do you share Paul’s conviction and burden? Do you live a life that reflects creditably upon your Saviour? And do you go that step further and hold out to those who are unsaved the word of life, the way of salvation through Jesus Christ?
Quote: “The light of religion ought not to be carried in a dark lantern.” – George Swinnock
Daily devotions are from the book “A Word in Season” published by Let the Bible Speak. © Let the Bible Speak 2010 – All Rights Reserved.
